Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:05
Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet
Published on: January 3, 2017
Dog ownership and adolescent physical activity
John R Sirard1, Carrie D Patnode, Mary O Hearst
1Kinesiology Program, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, 210 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA. jrs2wq@virginia.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|February 22, 2011
Summary
Dog ownership is linked to increased physical activity in adolescents. This study highlights a potential benefit of having a dog for youth health and activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Existing research indicates positive health outcomes associated with dog ownership in adults.
- Studies on the impact of dog ownership on adolescent health and physical activity are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between family dog ownership and physical activity levels in adolescents.
- To determine if owning a dog influences adolescent engagement in physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 618 adolescent/parent pairs collected data on dog ownership and adolescent physical activity.
- Adolescent physical activity was objectively measured using ActiGraph accelerometers.
- Data were collected between September 2006 and June 2008 and analyzed in 2010.
Main Results:
- Adolescents who owned dogs showed significantly higher overall physical activity (mean counts·min(-1)day(-1)).
- While a trend was observed, the association between dog ownership and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day was not statistically significant.
- Higher socioeconomic status and White adolescents were more likely to own dogs.
Conclusions:
- Dog ownership is associated with increased overall physical activity in adolescents.
- Further longitudinal research is recommended to fully understand the role of dog ownership in adolescent physical activity patterns.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the recognition that people have...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
02:04Bullying
A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is bullying.